MMOs
Ongoing coverage on MMOs.
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The Lord of the Rings MMO might reportedly be dead, but Amazon is still "working closely" with Middle-earth on…
Amazon Game Studios has reportedly canceled its second attempt at a The Lord of the Rings MMO, with sources citing an investigation into the publisher's use of generative AI. Despite this, Amazon stated they are still working closely with Middle-earth Enterprises on other games set in the universe.
Amazon Confirms It's Working on a 'Compelling' New The Lord of the Rings Video Game, but Its MMO Is Dead
Amazon has confirmed it is developing a new video game set in The Lord of the Rings universe, though details remain scarce. The company also officially announced the cancellation of its previously announced Lord of the Rings MMO.
Amazon has cancelled The Lord of the Rings MMO, but promises it "continues to explore a compelling new game experience" set in Middle-earth
Amazon has cancelled its previously announced Lord of the Rings MMO, though the company states it is still exploring a new game experience set in Middle-earth. The MMO, a partnership between Amazon Game Studios and Embracer Group, had been in early development and faced numerous setbacks including layoffs and a shift in company focus. While the MMO is officially shelved, Amazon remains committed to the intellectual property.
Myth of Empires: Throne Reveals Season 2 “War of the Eight Princes” Competitive Territory System
Myth of Empires: Throne has revealed its Season 2 "War of the Eight Princes" update, introducing a new competitive territory system for guilds. This system focuses on long-term strategic territory management and resource generation through deployable "Boundary Markers" to earn Season Guild Points. The developers aim to create strategic paths for guilds of all sizes, with more details on upcoming features to be released.
Indie MMO SpiritVale preps a Kickstarter campaign and early access launch for summer
The indie MMO SpiritVale is preparing for a Kickstarter campaign in June and an early access launch later this summer. The game, developed by a small team led by 'Phil', will showcase its core seven base classes and progress from prototype to its current state. Playtesting is ongoing until June, followed by Steam Next Fest and the early access release.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 565: Happily Farever after
The MassivelyOP Podcast episode 565 covers Guild Wars 2's new zone, EVE Online studio CCP's rebranding to Fenris Creations, and Path of Exile 2's 'Return of the Ancients' update. The hosts also discuss the early access launches of Farever, Reaper Actual, and Outbound, as well as Ultima Online emulators.
Mini MMO Palia’s Royal Highlands expansion is live today with ridable, breedable horses and a whole new zone
The Royal Highlands expansion for the mini MMO Palia is now live, introducing a new zone, ridable and breedable horses, and expanding the main story. Developed by Singularity 6, the expansion adds new decor, a regal villager named Eshelon, and integrates horses into the ranching system. The update also includes new currency, campsites, harvestables, expanded storage, and a clothing dye system.
Hot off the heels of Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss wants to "accelerate development" on open-world Pokemon-like MMO DokeV as it aims to release a new game "every two to three years"
Pearl Abyss is accelerating development on its open-world MMOs DokeV and Plan 8, aiming for a new game release every two to three years. The developer, known for Crimson Desert, acknowledges announcing games too early in the past and is focusing on a more efficient release cycle for its upcoming titles.
Palworld Online logo and trademark filed by Pocketpair in the US and South Korea
Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, has filed for a 'Palworld Online' logo and trademark in the United States and South Korea. This has led to speculation about a potential MMO or a connection to the upcoming Version 1.0 release of the game.
Palworld Online trademark filed as fans speculate a Pocketpair MMO could be on the way
Developer Pocketpair has filed trademarks for 'Palworld Online' in South Korea and the United States, sparking speculation about a potential multiplayer-focused spin-off or an MMO. While Palworld already features online multiplayer, the trademark filing suggests a more dedicated online experience could be in development. The company has previously expressed openness to spin-off discussions if player demand exists.
Sega Cancels Super Game, But New Crazy Taxi And Jet Set Radio Are Still Coming
Sega has officially canceled its ambitious "Super Game" project, which was intended to incorporate NFTs and cloud streaming. However, the company confirmed that new installments in the Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, and Streets of Rage franchises are still in development.
MapleStory recaps its recent Classic World closed test and outlines summer update plans
MapleStory has concluded its closed test for MapleStory Classic World and is preparing to release summer updates starting June 17th. These updates include a new Erel Light class, a Kinesis class remaster, new PvP modes, zones, bosses, and quality-of-life improvements. Producer Inkwell shared these details, thanking participants for their feedback.
Genshin Impact brings three new characters and ‘a new crisis in Sumeru’ on May 20
Genshin Impact's Version Luna VII – Truth Among the Pages of Purana update, launching May 20th, introduces a new crisis in Sumeru as Nahida falls into slumber and a new adversary resembling Il Dottore emerges. The update includes three new playable characters: Nicole, Lohen, and Prune, alongside new events and updates to the UGC feature.
Turns out you yearn for the return of PC Gamer's two favourite genres just as much as we do
A PC Gamer poll revealed that Real-time Strategy and Immersive Sims are the most desired comeback genres among players. Other popular choices included MMOs and point-and-click adventures, indicating a strong nostalgia for '90s and 2000s PC gaming staples. Despite past hopes, the RTS genre has struggled to regain its former glory, while immersive sims remain a niche but beloved category.
Crimson Desert Studio is “More Adaptable, More Malleable”: “We Can Pivot Faster Versus the AAAs”
Pearl Abyss's marketing and planning director Will Powers stated that the studio behind Crimson Desert is more adaptable and can pivot faster than larger AAA companies due to its indie-like approach. He highlighted the team's real-time iteration based on player feedback and their willingness to accept new ideas, contrasting it with the brand restrictions faced by major publishers. The company also has other titles, DokeV and Plan 8, in development.
The MOP Up: V Rising mulls over a new patch
Stunlock Studios is gathering player feedback for an upcoming balance and bug-fix patch for V Rising. This roundup also includes news on updates for Villagers and Heroes, The Elder Scrolls Online, MechWarrior Online, and Apex Legends, among others.
Pearl Abyss marketing director says Crimson Desert's rapid 'live service' patch cadence is business as usual for an MMO studio: 'That is not normal in the industry. That is normal here'
Pearl Abyss marketing director Will Powers stated that Crimson Desert's rapid patching based on player feedback is standard practice for their studio, unlike other companies. He highlighted that this iterative approach, honed by their experience with Black Desert, allows them to adapt to player desires without relying on fixed roadmaps. Powers also emphasized the studio's openness to external ideas, contrasting it with potentially ego-driven approaches in the industry.
Final Fantasy 14 player harnesses the power of furniture slots to make their in-game house look like Pragmata
A Final Fantasy XIV player has recreated the aesthetic of Capcom's upcoming game Pragmata within the MMO's player housing system. Using in-game furniture and an increased placement limit, the player designed a sci-fi environment reminiscent of Pragmata's visuals. The creation also features players in cosplay as characters from the game.
Discussion time: Are classic tab-target MMOs with loads of keybinds going out of style?
This article discusses whether traditional tab-target MMOs with extensive keybinds are becoming outdated. The author and guest writer Lauren Morton share their perspectives, with Morton expressing a desire for simpler controls and gamepad support, while acknowledging the potential for innovation within the classic MMO framework.
With a day remaining, Temtem Pioneers’ Kickstarter crosses $550K with custom mode stretch goals
Crema Games' Temtem Pioneers has surpassed $550,000 on Kickstarter with just 24 hours remaining, unlocking custom game modes and new creature variants. The co-op survival sandbox, set in the Temtem MMO's world, has faced controversy due to the developer's past handling of the original MMO's funding and development.